Rice prices up 30-40 per cent in Johor, says Shahidan

KUALA LUMPUR - An Opposition MP has urged the government to focus on overcoming the increasing price of rice and other raw materials currently weighing on the people.

Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau) said that the government needs to stop all allocations and developments and instead focus on the increasing price of local rice, dried chilli, shallot and garlic.

"Surveys in Tampoi and Masai showed an increase of 30 to 40 per cent.

"This had a great impact on the country. Local rice is not available in Johor.

"I visited everywhere and other states. In Kedah, I managed to get some friends to buy a bag (of rice). The price three weeks ago was RM23, now it's RM35. This is local rice.

"Sugar is reducing, among other things and this is troubling people," he said in the Dewan Rakyat today.

The Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Ramli Md Nor then took note of the motion and also read out a response letter from the Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.

Ramli said that Johari had examined the motion brought by Shahidan and decided to reject it.

"I have examined your (Shahidan) proposal and found that your proposal is not included in the special council business that had been set.

"Therefore, under Meeting Rule 11 (3), I cannot allow your motion to be brought to the Meeting. Therefore, in accordance with Meeting Rule 18 (7) (c), I reject your motion," he said.

Ramli said that he believes that the responsible minister will address the issue in the Dewan Rakyat.